Missouri Western QB Wyatt Steigerwald

WEEK 2: Missouri Western vs Northwest Missouri State

When it comes to scouting Division II schools, it’s easy for many to dismiss the level of competition. But if you look closely, you’ll see that 49 D-II players made NFL rosters this season, with another 17 on practice squads. The top active roster position group is defensive backs, which comprise 13 of the players.

In a battle of two MIAA rivals, I was able to see perhaps the most impressive-looking cornerback of the season in Northwest State’s Chama Pierre, who stands just a shade under 6-1 and has greater than 33” arms – which is rare! When there’s talk about prototypical press corners, Pierre is what NFL scouts picture. The Lake Worth, Fla. native showed his speed and athleticism chasing down a kick returner who had broken through the pack. Unfortunately for Pierre, he suffered a knee injury early in the 2^nd quarter, causing him to miss the rest of the game.

On the opposite side of the field, Missouri Western fields a team nicely comprised of seniors and upcoming depth. Protecting senior quarterback Wyatt Steigerwald is an all-senior offensive line, anchored by four-year starter Hayden Eatinger, who made first-team all-conference last season in his first year playing center. Eatinger – who started at guard during his first two seasons – is a broad-shouldered player with good length playing inside who displays the toughness and finish to have a chance getting into an NFL camp. Position flexibility is imperative for backup offensive linemen in the NFL so his experience playing three positions will bode well for his chances.

James Madison defensive lineman Rondell Carter

WEEK 2: James Madison vs. St. Francis

FCS powerhouse JMU boasts several notable prospects on the NFL radar, including defensive end Ron’dell Carter, who possesses prototypical size and strength. His ability to consistently generate a pass-rush and bully his opponent was an impressive display. The former Rutgers recruit certainly checked off a lot of boxes on the evening.

In the secondary, Dukes cornerback Rashad Robinson showed no ill-effects from his foot injury, which kept him out for the entire 2018 season. Two years ago, Robinson feasted on opposing quarterbacks, collecting seven interceptions. His footwork and change of direction appear to be restored. After the impact that former teammate Jimmy Moreland (seventh round pick by Redskins in 2019) has made thus far early on in his NFL career, scouts will want to pay attention to ‘Double R.’

Was impressed with how well @JMUFootball CB Rashad Robinson looked coming off injury. His change of direction/mirror skills were on point.

It was fun to watch him get physical in press man coverage which frustrated some of the bigger opposing WRs.

Another @NFLPABowl candidate. pic.twitter.com/5AnTk7IONB

— Ric Serritella (@RicSerritella) September 9, 2019

While this game was over almost as quickly as it began, Saint Francis offensive guard Christian Eubanks made the most of his efforts, holding ground against Carter and Co. A four-year starter for the Red Flash, Eubanks has started at both tackle and guard during his career. A football and wrestling standout at Reynoldsburg High School in Ohio, his grappling skills in the trenches were noticeable.

*Be sure to follow @NFLPABowl for behind the scenes coverage of our scouting trails leading up to the ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, held January 18^th, 2020 at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena!

Virginia Tech quarterback Ryan Willis (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

WEEK 2: Virginia Tech vs. Old Dominion

The Hokies entered this matchup seeking revenge from their upset loss to ODU a year ago and safety Reggie Floyd made sure there would be none of the same. Virginia Tech likes to utilize Floyd in a variety of ways, as he lined up all over the field and was even seen in the backfield chasing down the opposing quarterback. His leadership and lunch bucket mentality definitely rubs off on his teammates.

The @NFLPABowl was on hand for the @HokiesFB game on Sat.

DS Reggie Floyd is a fire starter! Clearly the heartbeat of the team, he demonstrated the skill-set to play either safety position + was lined up in the box a lot.

All business, he brought the lunch bucket to media day! pic.twitter.com/IlQKVCgdWb

— Ric Serritella (@RicSerritella) September 9, 2019

On offense, quarterback Ryan Willis operated the offense efficiently, commanding the middle of the field, while showing the ability to make smart decisions and deliver accurate passes to his receivers. The transfer from Kansas has earned plenty of experience, making his 12^th start for the Hokies, after 11 starts for the Jayhawks.

A familiar friend was now a foe on this day, as wide out Eric Kumah, who transferred from Virginia Tech to Old Dominion during the offseason, attempted to keep the Monarchs in the game. The thick, big-bodied pass-catcher shrugged off boos throughout the game to make a handful of catches over the middle of the field—he would finish with three receptions for 24 yards on the day.

*Be sure to follow @NFLPABowl for behind the scenes coverage of our scouting trails leading up to the ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, held January 18^th, 2020 at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena!

Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall (AP Photo/Andrew Shurtleff)

WEEK 2: Virginia vs. William & Mary

The Cavaliers are a talented program on the upswing, led by cornerback Bryce Hall, who returned for his senior season in order to earn his degree and hone his craft. It appears that it’ll pay off, as Hall flashed fancy footwork, a smooth backpedal and fluid hips. The Pennsylvania native seems destined to be a top 100 draft selection come April.

Entering the season NFL scouting services had mixed grades on @UVAFootball CB Bryce Hall. Well, I’m here to tell you that he looked like a top 100 prospect to me.

Sound footwork + change of direction, along with prototype size/speed. He has captured the attention of @NFLPABowl! pic.twitter.com/4h0hOI1LwK

— Ric Serritella (@RicSerritella) September 9, 2019

The “other” Bryce, as in quarterback Bryce Perkins, orchestrated the Virginia offense to the tune of 52 points, while showing off a strong arm and tremendous ball velocity. Perkins was spraying the ball all over the field, as eight different receivers caught passes. He accounted for two touchdowns through the air and another via the ground, despite sitting out most of the second half.

For William & Mary, lengthy safety Isaiah Laster hovered the secondary, playing a smooth centerfield, while collecting seven tackles and utilizing his long arms to disrupt a deep pass. Laster hails from a football family and has been playing the sport since he was six years old. He’s also an academic standout off the field, which is noticeable on the field, as he is quick to react to the play as it develops.

*Be sure to follow @NFLPABowl for behind-the-scenes coverage of our scouting trails leading up to the ninth annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on January 18, 2020 at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena!

Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

Week 1: Notre Dame vs. Louisville

Louisville is a young team with some talent but senior-wise it comes down to wide receiver Seth Dawkins, who made a fantastic back-shoulder catch early in the game that showcased his body control and natural ball skills. Similarly impressive is punter Mason King who physically looks like a linebacker while standing 6-4 and 215 lbs. The senior displayed his superior leg strength in both pregame warmups and during the game, regularly hanging punts up north of 4.5 seconds – which is impressive!

Notre Dame is a senior-rich team that physically looks like an NFL squad. One of the most impressive looking prospects is wide receiver Chase Claypool, who at 6-4, 230 has a frame reminiscent of Larry Fitzgerald’s. The senior receiver showed his ability to body-up throws, run physically and build up his speed with his long strides downfield, but there is more talent here than production and I’d like to see him make some dominant plays like he’s capable of.

An intriguing fellow wideout is Chris Finke who’s the complete opposite of Claypool in size and is the shiftier/slot type outlet who also adds value in the return game. Running back Tony Jones Jr. displayed his run skill and vision while exploiting holes in Louisville’s front. Up front, starting left tackle Liam Eichenberg looks like some of his recent team predecessors with his long body and length that he uses to keep defenders at arm’s reach. Fellow right guard Tommy Kraemer provide some road graders for Jones Jr. to run behind, and Kraemer is every bit of that 319 pounds while getting after it in the run game.

On defense, the Irish have a plethora of pass-rushing talent with seniors Daelin Hayes, Julian Okwara and Khalid Kareem. All three look the part physically while possessing long arms to help maintain separation from blockers, and their sheer depth of numbers should mean they can continue to rotate throughout games to remain fresh. In the secondary, Troy Pride made a couple nice plays from his cornerback position, showing a willingness to get physical while remaining sticky in coverage. Fellow DB Jalen Elliott is a good-looking safety who I think is playing a bit out of position at the free safety spot. Elliott reminds me a bit of Landon Collins in how he’s built, and he made a couple nice open-field tackles that saved gains from becoming more explosive. I’d like to see his imposing presence down near the line of scrimmage, however, where he can get involved in even more run plays and utilize his length while matching up with tight ends versus the pass.

Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Week 1: Oklahoma vs. Houston

While the outcome may be reminiscent of Oklahoma’s previous two prolific Heisman winners, quarterback Jalen Hurts’ style is much different than either’s. I came away impressed with Hurts’ accuracy throwing the ball downfield, the strength of his arm when making tighter-window throws, as well as his ability to consistently fall forward as a ball carrier. What concerns me is that Jalen is a taller athlete with longer legs and stride, and several times versus Houston I grew concerned that his style can potentially lead to injury as he was cut down low by tacklers. If he can stay healthy and avoid some unnecessary wear and tear, I expect him to be a top-5 quarterback prospect.

On the defensive side for Oklahoma, Canadian defensive tackle Neville Gallimore made his presence felt in the game with a sack. Gallimore is an intriguing prospect due to his combination of size and athleticism, and he has upside to be a versatile piece that can play any of the interior positions across even & odd fronts. In the secondary, cornerback Parnell Motley made his third consecutive season-opener start, which speaks to his experience and competitiveness. The senior corner showed a willingness to get physical with Cougar wide receivers despite possessing a leaner frame in the run game, and he recorded a pass break up in the 2^nd half while in part showing his ability to be successful in both facets of the game. As more passing teams appear on the Sooners’ schedule, Motley will surely be tested through the air.

For Houston, quarterback/athlete D’Eriq King razzled and dazzled his way around the field, showcasing his exciting playstyle. While I don’t think he’s polished at this point as a passer, he does have some arm talent to go along with his athletic skillset. I see him playing wide receiver and being that Antwaan Randle El versatile piece at the NFL level; and I’d love to see him return a punt or three as he possesses the speed, COD and natural run instincts to be dangerous if he can field the ball.

Up front protecting King is four senior blockers, led by Josh Jones. The left tackle  looks the part physically with his long body and arms. While he’ll surely continue to add on good weight for the next level, he has the play demeanor and athleticism to be potentially productive at four OL positions.

Kansas cornerback Hasan Defense (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Week 1: Indiana State vs. Kansas

Arguably Kansas’ best prospect on the offensive side Hakeem Adeniji, showed his leadership in pregame warmups as the emotional leader of the team while getting his fellow Jayhawks hyped. Adeniji is a four-year starter with the size, athleticism, play strength and demeanor to succeed in the NFL, whether it’s at left tackle or another position.

On the defensive side, cornerback Hasan Defense began the scoring with a pick-6 early in the opening quarter. Defense – who may have the most appropriate last name in the whole NCAA – has that DB swag that press corners need in the NFL, but he made a costly error later in the game letting his emotions get the best of him. Defensive end Darrius Moragne made his NFL case as he was a constant menace for the Sycamores, recording seven total tackles, including one sack.

Strong safety Bryce “The Tornado” Torneden led all Kansas DBs in tackles (five) and unbound energy in pursuit of the football. Torneden, who the coaches and staff rave about from a character/toughness/preparation standpoint, has the makings of an NFL special teams standard bearer, and a lot of that will come down to how fast he can run his 40.

Free safety Mike Lee – who can be a human missile from the defensive backfield – recorded four tackles and one pass breakup, showing good anticipation for the ball’s arrival. Outside linebacker Azur Kamara is making the transition from hand-in-the-dirt DE to stand-up OLB and picked up his production as the game wore on, recording two tackles, including one sack.

For Indiana State, QB Ryan Boyle lacks prototypical NFL size but has an above average arm to make his case to be a backup QB. One of the best-looking players on the field physically, middle linebacker Jonas Griffith was second on the team with five total tackles, displaying good straight-line speed chasing down ball carriers. While he makes the defensive calls and flashed with his range, I’d like to see him play more violently with his hands and factor in the run game on the other side of the line of scrimmage.

Minnesota WR Tyler Johnson (AP Photo/Andy Clayton- King)

WEEK 1: South Dakota State vs. Minnesota

For Minnesota, one of their top offensive prospects is wide receiver Tyler Johnson, who is a smooth athlete with the ability to catch almost anything thrown his way. Despite Johnson’s career production and catch skill, , his teammate opposite of him (Rashod Bateman) had the more prolific evening while Johnson hauled in a more pedestrian three receptions for 28 yards.

On the Defensive side, cornerback Chris Williamson had the play of the night with an early pick-6, taking an errant screen throw to the house. Williamson, who plays primarily the nickel slot for for the Gophers, is a pretty good athlete who showed ball skills while reacting quickly on his interception return. His size and versatility to play multiple positions (potentially even free safety) will factor positively for him when he transitions to the NFL. The Gophers also have a couple of good-looking defensive end prospects in Sam Renner, who’s a longer-bodied 4/5 technique that recorded five tackles and a pass breakup; and edge defender Carter Coughlin, who is more in the mold of a designated pass rusher at the next level due to his ability to get off the ball in passing situations.

For South Dakota State, middle linebacker Christian Rozeboom is an athlete capable of backing up at numerous positions, and the two-time All-American led the Jackrabbits in the game with 11 total tackles, including one for a loss. While Rozeboom is all over the field, I do want to see him do a better job of securing some of his tackle attempts and not letting ball carriers squeak out additional yardage. In front of him, defensive end Ryan Earith possesses a thicker frame to hold up at the point of attack (POA) and flashed for South Dakota State while recording two tackles and one sack.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The NFL Players Association will extend a special invite to a deserving football player at each United States service academy for the 2020 Collegiate Bowl Game.

The unique opportunity to participate in the premier postseason all-star football game will include Division I FBS programs U.S. Military Academy (Army), U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy. By taking part in the week-long experience, those who accept their invitation will have the chance to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, play under a staff featuring former NFL players and coaches, and learn about the business of football.

“This is a great way for my fellow servicemen to position themselves for success on the football field,” said San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Ben Garland, who serves as a captain with the Colorado Air National Guard during the offseason. “I appreciate our players union making a point to provide this experience for those who serve our country.”

The 2019 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl featured Air Force Academy long snapper Austin Cutting. He went on to be earn a roster spot on the Minnesota Vikings after being the only long snapper selected in the 2019 NFL Draft.

“I think it is an incredible opportunity and I look forward to seeing more of my teammates from the Academy taking advantage of the opportunity presented to them,” Cutting said.

The 2020 Collegiate Bowl will be played on Saturday, January 18 at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA.

Congrats to my bolt brother @Austin_Cutting on being drafted by the @Vikings . Proud of you. They are lucky to have you. #airforce pic.twitter.com/sC9l7UkBlp

— Ben Garland (@BenGarland63) April 28, 2019